Minimum rates for farm workers hand-harvesting crops to increase January 1st

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Minimum piece rates for hand-harvesting of specified crops are set to increase by 6.9 per cent on January 1st, according to a release from the provincial government. 

The increase is based on B.C.’s average annual inflation rate in 2022 and is consistent with the 6.9 per cent increase to the minimum hourly wage, which came into effect on June 1st last summer. 

As specified in the employment standards regulation, the increase applies to 15 crops harvested by hand — peaches, apricots, brussels sprouts, daffodils, mushrooms, apples, beans, blueberries, cherries, grapes, pears, peas, prune plums, raspberries and strawberries. 

Farm workers who harvest crops by hand must be paid at least the minimum piece rate for the crop they’re harvesting. 

Each of the 15 crops has its own minimum pay rate, and piece rate work is calculated by multiplying the rate of the piece by its volume or weight. 

Employers must post on-site notices stating the piece rate for each crop, the size of picking containers, and how much is needed to fill a container. 

A “picking card” for workers to record the total volume or weight they pick must be provided as well. 

B.C.’s farm-worker minimum piece-rate system has been in effect since 1981. In January of 2019, piece rates increased by 11.5 per cent, and last January, piece rates saw an increase of 2.8 per cent. 

A full list of B.C.’s minimum piece rates and more information about employment standards for farm workers can be found here.